Disposable beverage pod and apparatus for making a beverage

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for making a single serving alcoholic beverage having the taste, aroma, and mouthfeel of beer, wine, liquor, or a mixed alcoholic beverage includes an outlet configured to dispense a single serving alcoholic beverage therefrom. The apparatus includes a water reservoir operable to supply a predetermined amount of water via a water supply line. The apparatus includes a pod holding compartment operable to releasably receive a beverage pod comprising an alcoholic beverage flavor system wherein the pod holding compartment is in fluid communication with the outlet and the water reservoir via the water supply line. The apparatus includes a housing operable to house the pod holding compartment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation patent application based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/202,772, filed Mar. 10, 2014, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. provisional Application No. 61/782,264, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND

Beer concentrates and automatic bars are known in the art. Generally, beer concentrates can be in powder or liquid form. The beer concentrate can be mixed with water, carbon dioxide and optionally alcohol to form a beer beverage.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,505 to Pachernegg discloses a process of preparing a carbonated hop-malt beverage from a wort concentrate. The wort concentrate can be mixed with water and carbon dioxide in a beverage dispenser including an outlet, carbonizer, metering device, mixer and packages containing the wort concentrate. However, Pachernegg fails to disclose an apparatus for making individual beverages including disposable beverage pods as described herein.

DE 2145298 to Beissner discloses beer that is freeze dried to form a beer powder. The beer powder can be mixed with water, carbon dioxide and alcohol to form a beer. However, Beissner also fails to disclose an apparatus for making individual beverages including disposable beverage pods as described herein.

A method and apparatus for quickly making a single serving alcoholic beverage from disposable beverage pods is desirable.

SUMMARY

A disposable beverage pod operable to be used with an apparatus for making a single serving flavored beverage is provided. The disposable beverage pod is a container comprising a first compartment operable to contain an alcohol-free beverage concentrate in dry or semi-dry form and a second compartment operable to contain ethanol in liquid form. Preferably, the first compartment and the second compartment are attached, but operable to maintain the alcohol-free beverage concentrate separately from the alcohol concentrate prior to use.

In a preferred embodiment, the beverage concentrate is a beer concentrate, a wine concentrate, a liquor concentrate or a mixed alcoholic drink concentrate.

In another preferred embodiment, the beverage concentrate comprises a flavor system consisting of one or more flavor compounds and optional colorants. The flavor system includes one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of myrcene, oak extract, octanoic acid, 2-methylpropanoic acid, butanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, decanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-methylbutanol, 2-methylbutanol, 2,3-butanedione, vanilline, 2-methylpropanol, 3-methylbutanal, 2,3-pentanedione, 2-methylpropanal, 2-methylbutanal, furaneol, ethylfuraneol, 2-phenylethanol, 2-phenylacetic acid, 2-phenylethyl acetate, linalool, acetaldehyde, ethyl butyrate, ethyl-2-methylpropanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl-3-methylbutyrate, ethyl-2-methylbutyrate, (E)-b-damascenone, 3-methylbutyl acetate, 1,1-diethoxyethane, trans-ethyl cinnamate, whiskey lactone, 2-methoxyphenol, 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol, 5-pentyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol, 5-hexyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyltrisulfide, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanal, (E)-2-nonenal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, 4-ethylphenol, 4-methylphenol, 3-methylphenol, 2-methylphenol, phenol, tartaric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, glycerol, glucose, fructose, L-proline, saccharose, potassium, magnesium, calcium, tannic acid, trans aconitic acid, hops extract, tetra-iso-extract 10%, rho-iso-extract 10%, isomerized hop extract 30%, carrageenan, whey protein, monosodium glutamate, maltodextrins, and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the beverage pod is in the form of a bag, cup or box having a first compartment and a second compartment therein. Also preferably, the bag, cup or box is formed of plastic, glass, and/or metal foil. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage pod is formed of a biodegradable material. Moreover, the first compartment and the second compartment can each include an opening mechanism such that the first compartment and the second compartment are simultaneously openable in the dispensing apparatus or prior to insertion into the dispensing apparatus in one or more locations by piercing, tearing, or removal of a lid portion from each of the first compartment and the second compartment. In addition, the beverage pod can include a third compartment operable to contain an additional beverage concentrate or other desirable ingredient.

A dispensing apparatus for making a single serving beverage is also provided. The apparatus comprises a water reservoir operable to supply water via a water supply line to an outlet of the apparatus, a beverage pod, and a housing operable to contain the water reservoir and beverage pod. The beverage pod comprises a first compartment operable to house a concentrated beverage and a second compartment operable to house concentrated alcohol. The apparatus can also include a pressurized gas source operable to supply pressurized gas to the outlet of the apparatus in an amount sufficient to form carbonation in the single serving beverage and a mixing unit operable to mix water from the water supply with the concentrated beverage and concentrated alcohol. The mixing unit can be contained in the housing and can include a mixing chamber where the beverage can be mixed. Alternatively, the mixing unit can extend from the housing into a container, such as a drinking vessel, and the ingredients can be individually dispensed from the outlet and mixed in the container. Moreover, the apparatus can include a container into which the beverage is poured from the outlet of the apparatus, the container being operable to form a seal with and/or around the outlet of the apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a control system operable to activate the apparatus and control functions of the apparatus, a cooling system operable to chill the single serving beverage, and a power supply. The pressurized gas source can be a carbon dioxide canister or a canister of pressurized nitrogen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a disposable beverage pod including a first compartment and a second compartment.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of disposable beverage pod including a first and second compartment and an opening mechanism.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an apparatus for making a beverage using the disposable beverage pods of FIGS. 1 and/or 2.

FIG. 4 is diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Flavor perception of a consumable product is defined as the combined impression of specific aroma, taste and trigeminal compounds along with entities that evoke mouth feel impressions such as astringency, mouth coating, fullness, etc. Aroma compounds are volatiles that interact with olfactory receptors in the nose evoking a signal to the brain interpreted as smell, while the five basic tastes are elicited by interactions of tastants with specific taste receptors for salt, sweet, bitter, sour and umami tastes, respectively.

In general, out of the many hundreds of chemical entities that are found in natural products, especially those of agricultural origin that may also have been subjected to additional fermentation or prolonged storage, only an order of ten may be responsible for aroma, taste and mouthfeel. Our state of the art separation, isolation and chemical analysis techniques have allowed us to identify and quantify those flavor relevant compounds out of the many hundreds that may be detected in a natural product. This sophisticated approach, called “sensomics”, has been used extensively for the product categories outlined in this application.

A flavor that mimics exactly the sensory attributes of a certain product by using the same flavor compounds of the natural product is called “nature craft identical” and the combination of chemical entities that mimic the natural product is called “recombinant”. Recombinants may be altered or new compounds added to compensate for flavor compounds that cannot be used due to toxicity (not generally recognized as safe (GRAS)) or availability issues and to create new superior flavors. Through omissions or additions of certain compounds in our “recombinants”, we have also uncovered important interplays between aroma, flavor and mouthfeel impressions and have used this information to create the best possible nature craft identical product as outlined in the methods that follow. This approach is primarily based on chemical identification, receptor molecular biology and psychophysics and differs significantly from traditional trial and error artisan creations.

The flavor system and beverages made therefrom provide several advantages over conventional brewing, fermentation and other beverage making operations. First of all, while not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that compounds present in conventionally brewed and/or fermented beverages may be responsible for spoilage, thereby limiting the shelf-life of the conventional beverages. In contrast, the flavor system and resulting beverages as described herein can be tailored to exclude compounds responsible for spoilage. Moreover, other compounds in the conventional beverages could be carcinogenic. Such compounds, which may provide little flavor can be excluded from the flavor systems and beverages provided herein.

In addition, the use of flavor systems to form beverages as described herein allows for quick and easy customization of beverages as compared to conventional beverages and manufacturing systems.

A disposable beverage pod operable to be used with an apparatus for making a single serving flavored beverage is disclosed herein. The disposable beverage pod contains a beverage concentrate and ethanol. The disposable beverage pod can be used to form a beverage having the taste and/or aroma of various types of beers, wines, and/or liquors including whiskeys and scotches.

As used herein, the term “single serving” refers to an individual beverage serving having a size ranging from about 100 ml to about 1,500 ml (e.g., about 100 ml to about 1,200 ml, about 200 ml to about 1,000 ml, about 300 ml to about 800 ml, about 400 ml to about 700 ml or about 500 ml to about 600 ml).

As used herein, the term “flavor” refers to taste, aroma and sensation and is thus a mixture of tastants, aroma compounds and sensates. Thus, for example, the beverages formed herein which have the flavor of beer provide a mixture of tastants, aroma compounds and sensates which mimics that found in a traditionally brewed beer.

As used herein, the term “wine” describes any beverage formed by fermenting grapes and/or other fruits and vegetables.

As used herein, the term “beer” describes a beverage brewed by fermenting malt with sugar and yeast and flavoring with hops.

As used herein, the term “whiskey” describes a beverage made from fermented grain such as rye or barley, which can be aged or blended.

As shown in FIG. 1, the disposable beverage pod 10 can include a first compartment 12 operable to house a beverage concentrate and a second compartment 14 operable to house ethanol. In the preferred embodiment, the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 14 maintain the beverage concentrate separately from the alcohol concentrate. As shown in FIG. 2, the disposable beverage pod can include a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14 and one or more opening mechanisms 16. A consumer can choose to include the ingredients contained in only one of the first or second compartment 12, 14 if desired. Alternatively, the dispensing apparatus can be configured to open each compartment 12, 14 of the beverage pod. In another embodiment, the disposable beverage pod 10 can include additional compartments for containing ingredients which may benefit from being kept separated from the remaining ingredients prior to reconstitution or including colorants.

In the preferred embodiment, the beverage concentrate contained in the first compartment 12 is in a dry or semi-dry form. The beverage concentrate can include powders, granules, flakes, beads and the like of the various flavor compounds. Alternatively, the beverage concentrate could be in the form of a semi-liquid or gel. Also preferably, the concentrate is an alcohol-free concentrate of beer, wine, liquor or a mixed drink. The concentrate can be formed by conventional methods such as freeze drying, reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration as described in WO 99/27070 to Tripp, GB 2,261,442, DE 2145298, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0047386, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

In the preferred embodiment, beverage concentrate is a concentrate of a flavor system. As used herein, the term “flavor system” describes one or more flavor compounds that are used in combination to create beverages having the flavor, mouthfeel and/or aromas of a wide variety of wines, beers, liquors, and/or mixed alcoholic beverages, but without the need for distillation, aging, fermentation, brewing and other costly and time consuming measures associated with the production of wine, beer and/or liquors.

The flavor system can be altered by substituting or adding additional flavor compounds, as described herein, to the flavor system. Thus, various flavor compounds can be combined to form a flavor system which will provide the same flavors and/or aromas as conventionally brewed, distilled, aged and/or fermented beer, wine, liquor or mixed beverages. The flavor system can be in liquid or dry form. Preferably, the flavor system is contained in the first compartment 12 of the beverage pod 10.

In the preferred embodiment, the flavor system 12 includes at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, at least four, etc.) flavor compound from one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more, eleven or more or each) of the following aroma groups: (1) Cheesy, Sweaty Aroma Group, (2) Malty, Buttery and/or Sweet Aroma Group, (3) Floral and/or Honey Aroma Group, (4) Fruity Aroma Group, (5) Smoky, Coconut, Woody Aroma Group, (6) Cooked, Seasoning, Fatty Aroma Group, (7) Phenolic/Medicinal Aroma Group, (8) Sour Taste Group, (9) Sweet Taste Group, (10) Salty and Bitter Taste Group, (11) Astringent, Mouth Feel Group, (12) Bitter Taste Group and/or (13) Umami and Mouthfeel Taste Group.

However, if the flavor system is to be used to form a beverage which would not include flavor compounds from a particular group as shown in the tables below, none of those compounds would be included in the flavor system. The flavor groups can include volatile compounds which can impart certain aromas, tastes and sensations to the flavor system 12 and resulting beverage depending on the combination and concentration of the various aroma compounds included therein. The flavor compounds in each group are generally interchangeable with other compounds in the same group.

Moreover, certain compounds, particularly those in the Astringent, Mouth Feel Group may elicit mouth feel impressions such as tingling, mouth-puckering, smooth, velvety, mouth-coating, etc. In addition, certain compounds may affect the presentation of aromas and modulate the perceived aroma intensity.

The compounds included in each flavor and aroma group along with a range of the amount of each compound is shown in Tables 1-13 below.

As shown in Table 1, Flavor Group 1 includes seven compounds that can impart a cheesy or sweaty aroma to a beverage formed from the flavor system. The compounds of Flavor Group 1 are selected from the group consisting of octanoic acid, 2-methylpropanoic acid, butanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, decanoic acid, hexanoic acid and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 1 that can be included in any beverage formed from the flavor system 12, the range of each compound for inclusion in a wine-like beverage formed from the flavor system 12, the range of each compound for inclusion in whiskey-like beverage formed from the flavor system 12 and the range of each compound for inclusion in beer-like beverages formed from the flavor system 12 in micrograms per liter (μg/l) is shown. Moreover, as shown, the compounds of Flavor Group 1 are not desirable for inclusion in whiskey-like beverages. Thus, a flavor system for use to create a whiskey beverage would not include aroma compounds from Flavor Group 1. In addition, each of the Flavor Group 1 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to achieve a similar aroma.

TABLE 1 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor octanoic acid 250 10,000 250 10,000 0 0 250 5,000 Group 1 2-methylpropanoic acid 200 10,000 200 10,000 0 0 200 5,000 cheesy, butanoic acid 200 15,000 200 15,000 0 0 200 10,000 sweaty 3-methylbutanoic acid 100 10,000 200 10,000 0 0 100 5,000 aroma 2-methylbutanoic acid 50 10,000 100 10,000 0 0 50 2,000 decanoic acid 50 2,000 50 2,000 0 0 50 1,000 hexanoic acid 300 15,000 300 15,000 0 0 300 10,000

As shown in Table 2, Flavor Group 2 includes eleven compounds that can impart a malty, buttery and/or sweet aroma to a beverage formed from the flavor system 12. The compounds of Flavor Group 2 are selected from the group consisting of 3-methylbutanol, 2-methylbutanol, 2,3-butanedione, vanilline, 2-methylpropanol, 3-methylbutanal, 2,3-pentanedione, 2-methylpropanal, 2-methylbutanal, furaneol, ethylfuraneol and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 2 that can be included in any flavor system 12, the range of each compound for inclusion in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound for inclusion in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound for inclusion in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (μg/l) is shown. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 2 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to achieve a similar aroma.

TABLE 2 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor 3-methylbutanol 5,000 5,000,000 30,000 1,500,000 100,000 5,000,000 5,000 250,000 Group 2- 2-methylbutanol 5,000 5,000,000 30,000 1,500,000 100,000 5,000,000 5,000 250,000 malty, 2,3-butanedione 5 50,000 100 50,000 5 200 100 50,000 buttery, vanilline 1 10,000 200 10,000 500 25,000 1 50 sweet 2-methylpropanol 5,000 5,000,000 5,000 250,000 100,000 5,000,000 5,000 5,000,000 aroma 3-methylbutanal 3 2,000 10 1,000 20 2,000 3 150 2,3-pentanedione 1 50,000 1 50,000 1 50,000 1 50,000 2-methylpropanal 1 1000 5 500 20 1,000 1 50 2-methylbutanal 0.5 8,000 20 2,000 100 8,000 0.5 25 furaneol 10 1,500 10 1,000 10 1,000 30 1,500 ethylfuraneol 0.5 100 0.5 50 0.5 50 2 100

As shown in Table 3, Flavor Group 3 includes five compounds that can impart a floral and/or honey aroma to a beverage formed from the flavor system 12. The compounds of Flavor Group 3 are selected from the group consisting of 2-phenylethanol, 2-phenylacetic acid, 2-phenylethyl acetate, linalool, myrcene and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 3 that can be included in the flavor system 12 for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (μg/l) is shown. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 3 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to achieve a similar aroma.

TABLE 3 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor 2-phenylethanol 1,000 200,000 1,000 200,000 5,000 200,000 1,500 75,000 Group 3- 2-phenylacetic acid 10 1,500 10 750 10 1,000 25 1,500 Floral, 2-phenylethyl acetate 5 10,000 5 500 100 10,000 5 500 honey linalool 0.5 10,000 0.5 500 0.5 500 10 10,000 myrcene 500 50,000 0 0 0 0 500 50,000

As shown in Table 4, Flavor Group 4 includes eleven compounds that can impart a fruity aroma to a beverage formed from the flavor system 12. The compounds of Flavor Group 4 are selected from the group consisting of acetaldehyde, ethyl butyrate, ethyl-2-methylpropanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl-3-methylbutyrate, ethyl-2-methylbutyrate, (E)-b-damascenone, 3-methylbutyl acetate, 1,1-diethoxyethane, trans-ethyl cinnamate and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 4 that can be included in the flavor system for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (μg/l) is shown. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 4 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to achieve a similar aroma.

TABLE 4 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor acetaldehyde 500 300,000 1,000 50,000 3,000 300,000 500 25,000 Group 4- ethyl butyrate 10 5,000 10 750 100 5,000 20 1,000 fruity ethyl-2-methylpropanoate 0.3 2,500 5 500 50 2,500 0.3 15 aroma ethyl octanoate 5 25,000 5 2,000 500 25,000 20 1,000 ethyl hexanoate 5 10,000 5 2,000 100 10,000 20 1,000 ethyl-3-methylbutyrate 0.04 500 1 50 10 500 0.04 2 ethyl-2-methylbutyrate 0.06 500 0.5 50 10 500 0.06 3 (E)-b-damascenone 0.1 100 0.1 5 1 100 0.2 10 3-methylbutyl acetate 300 25,000 300 10,000 500 25,000 300 15,000 1,1-diethoxyethane 5 10,000 50 2,000 2,000 100,000 5 250 trans-ethyl cinnamate 0.2 100 0.2 10 1 100 0.2 10

As shown in Table 5, Flavor Group 5 includes eight compounds that can impart a smoky, coconut, and/or woody aroma to a beverage formed from the flavor system 12. The compounds of Flavor Group 5 are selected from the group consisting of whiskey lactone, 2-methoxyphenol, 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol, 5-pentyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol, 5-hexyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 5 that can be included in the flavor system 12 for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (μg/l) is shown. However, as shown, when creating a flavor system for forming a beverage having the flavor of beer, whiskey lactone, 5-pentyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, and 5-hexyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one would not be included. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 5 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to achieve a similar aroma.

TABLE 5 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor whiskey lactone 50 50,000 50 2,000 1,000 50,000 0 0 Group 5- 2-methoxyphenol 0.1 10,000 0.1 200 20 10,000 0.1 500 Smoky, 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol 0.1 1,000 0.1 100 20 1,000 0.1 500 coconut, 5-pentyldihydrofuran- 2 500 2 100 10 500 0 0 woody 2(3H)-one aroma 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol 0.5 5,000 0.5 50 20 5,000 0.5 1,000 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol 0.5 10,000 0.5 50 10 10,000 0.5 1,000 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol 0.5 500 0.5 50 2 500 0.5 1,000 5-hexyldihydrofuran- 0.3 70 0.3 10 1 70 0 0 2(3H)-one

As shown in Table 6, Flavor Group 6 includes eight compounds that can impart a cooked, seasoning and/or fatty aroma to a beverage formed from the flavor system 12. The compounds of Flavor Group 6 are selected from the group consisting of 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyltrisulfide, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanal, (E)-2-nonenal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 6 that can be included in the flavor system 12 for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (g/l) is shown. However, when forming a beverage having the flavor of a whiskey, dimethyl sulfide and dimethyltrisulfide would not be included in the flavor system. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 6 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to achieve a similar aroma.

TABLE 6 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl- 0.1 25 0.5 25 0.1 5 0.1 5 Group 6- 2(5H)-furanone cooked, dimethyl sulfide 1 250 1 50 0 0 5 250 seasoning, dimethyltrisulfide 0.02 0.02 2 2 0 0 0.02 2 fatty 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol 250 10,000 250 10,000 250 10,000 100 5,000 aroma 3-(methylthio)-1-propanal 0.05 10 0.1 10 0.1 10 0.05 5 (E)-2-nonenal 1 100 1 100 1 100 1 100 (E,E)-2,4-decadienal 1 100 1 100 1 100 1 100 (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal 0.1 10 0.1 10 0.1 10 0.1 10

As shown in Table 7, Flavor Group 7 includes five compounds that can impart a phenolic and/or medicinal aroma to a beverage formed from the flavor system 12. The compounds of Flavor Group 7 are selected from the group consisting of 4-ethylphenol, 4-methylphenol, 3-methylphenol, 2-methylphenol, phenol, and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 7 that can be included in the flavor system 12 for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (g/l) is shown. As shown, the compounds of Flavor Group 7 are not desirable for inclusion in wine or beer type beverages produced using the flavor system 12 described herein. Thus, the aroma compounds of Flavor Group 7 would not be used in flavor systems designed to form beverages having the flavor of a wine, beer or cider. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 7 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to achieve a similar aroma.

TABLE 7 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor 4-ethylphenol 50 10,000 0 0 50 10,000 0 0 Group 7- 4-methylphenol 1 10,000 0 0 1 10,000 0 0 phenolic, 3-methylphenol 1 8,000 0 0 1 8,000 0 0 medicinal 2-methylphenol 1 20,000 0 0 1 20,000 0 0 aroma phenol 50 20,000 0 0 50 20,000 0 0

As shown in Table 8, Flavor Group 8 includes five compounds that can impart a sour taste to a beverage formed from the flavor system 12. The compounds of Flavor Group 8 are selected from the group consisting of tartaric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 8 that can be included in the flavor system 12 for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (μg/l) is shown. As shown, the compounds of Flavor Group 8 are not desirable for inclusion in whiskey or beer type beverages produced using the flavor system 12 described herein. Thus, the flavor compounds of Flavor Group 8 would only be included in flavor systems designed to form beverages having the flavor of wine. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 8 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to form a flavor system 12 which produces a beverage having a similar taste.

TABLE 8 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor tartaric acid 200,000 10,000,000 300,000 10,000,000 0 0 0 0 Group 8- succinic acid 200,000 5,000,000 250,000 5,000,000 0 0 0 0 sour lactic acid 200,000 7,500,000 300,000 7,500,000 0 0 0 0 taste citric acid 200,000 7,500,000 300,000 7,500,000 0 0 200,000 7,500,000 acetic acid 50,000 4,000,000 75000 4,000,000 0 0 50,000 40,000,000

As shown in Table 9, Flavor Group 9 includes five compounds that can impart a sweet taste to a beverage. The compounds of Flavor Group 9 are selected from the group consisting of glycerol, glucose, fructose, L-proline, saccharose, and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 9 that can be included in the flavor system 12 for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (μg/l) is shown. Moreover, each of the Taste Group 2 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to form a flavor system which produces a beverage having a similar taste.

TABLE 9 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor glycerol 50,000 50,000,000 2,500,000 50,000,000 2,000,000 10,000,000 50,000 5,000,000 Group 9- glucose 20,000 500,000 20,000 500,000 0 0 20,000 500,000 sweet fructose 100,000 10,000,000 100,000 10,000,000 0 0 100,000 10,000,000 taste L-proline 100,000 10,000,000 100,000 10,000,000 0 0 100,000 10,000,000 saccharose 500,000 10,000,000 500,000 10,000,000 0 0 500,000 10,000,000

As shown in Table 10, Flavor Group 10 includes three compounds that can impart a salty and/or bitter taste to a flavor system for forming a beverage. The compounds of Flavor Group 10 are selected from the group consisting of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 10 that can be included in the flavor system 12 for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (μg/l) is shown. As shown, the compounds of Flavor Group 10 are not desirable for inclusion in whiskey type beverages produced using the flavor system 12 described herein. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 10 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to form a flavor system 12 which produces a beverage having a similar taste.

TABLE 10 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor potassium 300,000 10,000,000 300,000 10,000,000 0 0 300,000 8,000,000 Group 10- magnesium 50,000 2,000,000 50,000 2,000,000 0 0 50,000 2,000,000 Salty, calcium 25,000 500,000 25,000 500,000 0 0 25,000 500,000 Bitter taste

As shown in Table 11, Flavor Group 11 includes three compounds that can impart an astringent mouth feel to a flavor system 12 for forming a beverage. The compounds of Flavor Group 11 are selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, trans aconitic acid, oak extract, and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 11 that can be included in the flavor system 12 for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (μg/l) is shown. As shown, the compounds of Flavor Group 11 are not desirable for inclusion in beverages having the flavor of beer as produced using the flavor system 12 described herein. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 11 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to form a flavor system 12 which produces a beverage having a similar taste.

TABLE 11 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor tannic acid 30,000 150,000 30,000 150,000 30,000 150,000 0 0 Group 11- trans 500 25,000 500 25,000 500 2,500 0 0 Astringent aconitic mouth feel acid Oak extract 1,000,000 5,000,000 1,000,000 5,000,000 1,000,000 5,000,000 0 0

As shown in Table 12, Flavor Group 12 includes four compounds that can impart a bitter taste to a flavor system 12 for forming a beverage. The compounds of Flavor Group 12 are selected from the group consisting of hops extract, tetra-iso-extract 10%, rho-iso-extract 10%, isomerized hop extract 30%, and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 12 that can be included in the flavor system 12 for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (g/l) is shown. As shown, the compounds of Flavor Group 12 are not desirable for inclusion in wine and whiskey type beverages produced using the flavor system 12 described herein. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 12 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to form a flavor system 12 which produces a beverage having a similar taste.

TABLE 12 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor hops extract 1,000,000 30,000,000 0 0 0 0 1,000,000 30,000,000 Group 12- Tetra-Iso-Extract 10% 25,000 650,000 0 0 0 0 25,000 650,000 bitter Rho-Iso-Extract 10% 25,000 650,000 0 0 0 0 25,000 650,000 taste Isomerized hop extract 10,000 250,000 0 0 0 0 10,000 250,000 30%

As shown in Table 13, Flavor Group 13 includes four compounds that can impart umami and/or mouth feel to a flavor system 12 for forming a beverage. The compounds of Flavor Group 13 are selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, whey protein, monosodium glutamate, maltodextrin, and combinations thereof. The range of each compound of Flavor Group 13 that can be included in the flavor system 12 for forming any beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a wine-like beverage, the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a whiskey-like beverage and the range of each compound in a flavor system 12 for forming a beer-like beverage in micrograms per liter (μg/l) is shown. As shown, the compounds of Flavor Group 13 are not desirable for inclusion in wine and whiskey type beverages produced using the flavor system 12 described herein. Moreover, each of the Flavor Group 13 compounds can be substituted for other compounds in the same group to form a flavor system 12 which produces a beverage having a similar taste.

TABLE 13 Range for Range for Range for Range in Any Inclusion in Inclusion in Inclusion in Beverage Wine Whiskey Beer Category low high low high low high low high descriptor compound μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l μg/l Flavor carrageenan 50,000 1,500,000 0 0 0 0 50,000 15,00,000 Group 13- whey protein 10,000 250,000 0 0 0 0 10,000 250,000 Umami taste, monosodium 30,000 750,000 0 0 0 0 30,000 750,000 mouthfeel glutamate maltodextrin 3,000,000 70,000,000 0 0 0 0 3,000,000 70,000,000

By including one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, etc.) compounds from the one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more, eleven of more, or twelve or more) of the flavor groups, the flavor system can be tailored to provide a beverage concentrate which mimics the taste and/or mouth feel of various beers, wines, liquors, including whiskey, and mixed beverages. The choice of flavor compounds and the amount included in the flavor system allows a user and/or manufacturer to adjust the flavor of the beverage to be created using the flavor system. Thus, the flavor system can be used to create a beverage having the taste of a wide variety of wines, beers or liquors.

Preferably, a beverage having a wine taste and/or mouth feel includes at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 4 (fruity flavor), at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 5 (smoky, coconut, woody flavor), at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 8 (sour flavor), and at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 11 (astringent mouth feel). In other embodiments, the beverage having a wine flavor can include at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from one or more of the remaining flavor groups.

Preferably, a beverage having a beer taste and/or mouth feel includes at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 2 (malty, buttery, sweet flavor), at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 3 (floral, honey flavor), and at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 12 (bitter flavor). In other embodiments, the beverage having a beer flavor can include at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from one or more of the remaining flavor groups.

Preferably, a beverage having a whiskey taste and/or mouth feel includes at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 4 (fruity flavor), at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 5 (smoky, coconut, woody flavor), at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 7 (phenolic, medicinal) and at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from flavor group 11 (astringent mouth feel). In other embodiments, the beverage having a whiskey flavor can include at least one (e.g., at least two, at least three, or at least four) compound from one or more of the remaining flavor groups.

The examples provided below are exemplary and are not meant to limit any aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Example 1

For example, a red wine having the flavor of a Cabernet Sauvignon can be made by combining 3,000 μg/l of octanoic acid, 2,500 μg/l of 2-methylpropanoic acid, 5,000 μg/l of 3-methylbutanoic acid, 5,000 μg/l of 2-methylbutanoic acid, 2,000 μg/l of hexanoic acid, 150,000 μg/l of 3-methylbutanol, 150,000 μg/l of 2-methylbutanol, 1,000 μg/l of 2,3-butanedione, 500 μg/l of vanilline, 5,000 μg/l of 2,3-pentanedione, 100 μg/l of furaneol, 150 μg/l of 2-phenylacetic acid, 2,000 μg/l of acetaldehyde, 100 μg/l of ethyl butyrate, 100 μg/l of ethyl hexanoate, 10 μg/l of ethyl-3-methylbutyrate, 10 μg/l of ethyl-2-methylbutyrate, 1 μg/l of (E)-b-damascenone, 500 μg/l of whiskey lactone, 30 μg/l of 2-methoxyphenol, 20 μg/l of 3-allyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4,000 μg/l of 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol, 2,000,000 μg/l of tartaric acid, 1,000,000 of succinic acid, 750,000 μg/l of acetic acid, 15,000,000 μg/l of glycerol, 2,000,000 μg/l of L-proline, 1,000,000 μg/l of potassium, 80,000 μg/l of tannic acid, 2,000,000 μg/l of oak extract, 10,000,000 μg/l of ethanol and water. Optionally, colorants can be added to provide a wine beverage having a pleasing color.

Example 2

In another example, an American style whiskey can be made by combining 1,000,000 μg/l of 3-methylbutanol, 500,000 μg/l of 2-methylbutanol, 5,000 μg/l of vanilline, 500 μg/l of 3-methylbutanal, 10,000 μg/l of 2-phenylehtanol, 1,000 μg/l of 2-phenylacetic acid, 3,000 μg/l of 2-phenylethyl acetate, 500 μg/l of ethyl butyrate, 10,000 μg/l of ethyl octanoate, 200 μg/l of ethyl-2-methylbutyrate, 10 μg/l of (E)-b-damascenone, 2,500 μg/l of 3-methylbutyl acetate, 15,000 μg/l of 1,1-diethoxyethane, 5,000 μg/l of whiskey lactone, 50 μg/l of 2-methoxyphenol, 400 μg/l of 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol, 300 μg/l of 5-pentyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, 15 μg/l of 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, 5 μg/l of 5-hexyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, 40 μg/l of (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, 5 μg/1 of (E,E)2,4-nonadienal, 150 μg/1 of 4-ethylphenol, 10 μg/1 of 4-methylphenol, 5,000,000 μg/1 of glycerol, 100,000 μg/1 of tannic acid, 4,000,000 μg/1 of oak extract, 316,000,000 μg/l of ethanol and water.

Example 3

In another example, a pilsner-type beer can be made by combining (E)-b-damascenone in an amount of about 3 μg/l, 2-methylbutanoic acid in an amount of about 2,000 μg/l, 2-phenylethanol in an amount of about 10,000 μg/l, 3-(methylthio)propanol in an amount of about 1,000 μg/l, 3-methylbutanoic acid in an amount of about 2,000 μg/l, 3-methylbutanal in an amount of about 200 μg/l, 3-methylbutanol in an amount of about 50,000 μg/l, dimethyl sulfide in an amount of about 150 μg/l, ethyl butyrate in an amount of about 200 μg/l, ethyl hexanoate in an amount of about 200 μg/l, ethyl octanoate in an amount of about 150 μg/l, furaneol in an amount of about 500 μg/l, 2-phenylacetic acid in an amount of about 500 μg/l, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone in an amount of about 5 μg/l, 3-methylbutanol in an amount of about 50,000 μg/l, 2-methylbutanol in an amount of about 50,000 μg/l, ethylfuraneol in an amount of about 100 μg/l, linalool in an amount of about 300 μg/l, 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol in an amount of about 150 μg/l, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanal in an amount of about 5 μg/l, citric acid in an amount of about 400,000 μg/l, saccharose in an amount of about 1,500,000 μg/l, potassium in an amount of about 1,500,000 μg/l, hops extract in an amount of about 5,000,000 μg/l, isomerized hops extract 30% in an amount of about 100,000 μg/l, monosodium glutamate in an amount of about 100,000 μg/l, ethanol in an amount of about 37,500,000 μg/l and water.

Example 4

A light pilsner-type beer can be made by combining (E)-b-damascenone in an amount of about 3 μg/l, 2-methylbutanoic acid in an amount of about 2,000 μg/l, 2-phenylethanol in an amount of about 10,000 μg/l, 3-(methylthio)propanol in an amount of about 1,000 μg/l, 3-methylbutanoic acid in an amount of about 2,000 μg/l, 3-methylbutanal in an amount of about 200 μg/l, 3-methylbutanol in an amount of about 50,000 μg/1, dimethyl sulfide in an amount of about 150 μg/l, ethyl butyrate in an amount of about 200 μg/l, ethyl hexanoate in an amount of about 200 μg/l, ethyl octanoate in an amount of about 150 μg/l, furaneol in an amount of about 500 μg/l, 2-phenylacetic acid in an amount of about 500 μg/l, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone in an amount of about 5 μg/l, 3-methylbutanol in an amount of about 50,000 μg/l, 2-methylbutanol in an amount of about 50,000 μg/l, ethylfuraneol in an amount of about 100 μg/l, linalool in an amount of about 300 μg/l, 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol in an amount of about 150 μg/l, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanal in an amount of about 5 μg/l, citric acid in an amount of about 400,000 μg/l, saccharose in an amount of about 1,500,000 μg/l, potassium in an amount of about 1,500,000 μg/l, hops extract in an amount of about 5,000,000 μg/l, isomerized hops extract 30% in an amount of about 100,000 μg/l, monosodium glutamate in an amount of about 100,000 μg/l, ethanol in an amount of about 33,100,000 μg/l and water.

By altering the amount and variety of flavor compounds in the above example, other types of beers including lagers, ales, porters, pale ales, lambics, hefeweizens and other types of beers, wines, and/or whiskeys can be made.

Advantageously, the beverages created using the flavor system and method described herein have fewer calories than a traditionally brewed, distilled, aged, and/or fermented beverage having substantially the same flavor characteristics. As shown in Table 14, the pilsner-type of Example 3 has fewer calories than commercially brewed and fermented beers. The calorie count for the commercially brewed beers was obtained from www.beer100.com/beercalorie and is based on a 12 ounce beverage. The calorie count of the beer of Example 3 is based on the following: ethanol: 7 kcal/g and carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g.

TABLE 14 total alcohol carbs Beer Brand kcal kcal kcal BUDWEISER 145 97 42.4 MILLER GENUINE DRAFT 143 91 52.4 SAM ADAMS BOSTON LAGER 160 92 72 Pilsner-type beer of Example 3 100 92 8

As shown in Table 15, the light pilsner-type beer of Example 4 has fewer calories than commercially brewed and fermented light beers. The calorie count for the commercially brewed beers was obtained from www.beer100.com/beercalorie and is based on a 12 ounce beverage. The calorie count of the beer of Example 4 is based on the following: ethanol: 7 kcal/g and carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g.

TABLE 15 total alcohol carbs Beer Brand kcal kcal kcal BUD LIGHT 110 81 26.4 MILLER LITE 96 81 12.8 Light pilsner-type beer of Example 4 89 81 8

As shown both the pilsner-type beverage of Example 3 and the light pilsner-type beverage of Example 4 provide a beverage having at least 7% fewer calories than a conventionally brewed and/or fermented beverage having a similar flavor. Preferably, the beverages formed as described herein will have at least 5% fewer calories (e.g., at least 10% fewer calories, at least 15% fewer calories, at least 20% fewer calories, at least 25% fewer calories) than traditionally brewed and/or fermented beverages having similar flavors.

Also preferably, the alcohol concentrate contained in the second compartment 14, 14′ of the disposable beverage pod 10 is ethanol, which is in liquid form. The alcohol concentrate is included in the second compartment 14 in amount sufficient to form a single serving beverage having an alcohol content ranging from about 0.1% alcohol by volume to about 80% alcohol by volume. For example, wine can have an alcohol content of about 0.1% alcohol by volume to about 25% alcohol by volume, whiskey can have about 50% alcohol by volume to about 70% alcohol by volume and beer can have about 2% alcohol by volume to about 20% alcohol by volume. The amount of alcohol concentrate can be selected based on the type of beverage being formed and/or can be controlled by a control system of the apparatus used to form the beverage if the adult consumer wishes to have a beverage having a lower alcohol content that that contemplated when forming the beverage pod 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol concentrate can also include flavor compounds that are better dissolved and/or preserved in alcoholic solutions.

Preferably, the beverage pod 10 is in the form of a bag, cup or box, which can be made of plastic, glass or other suitable materials. Also preferably, the material used to form the beverage pod is biodegradable. Moreover, the material used to form the beverage pod is moisture impermeable so as to prevent leaking of the alcohol concentrate and/or addition of moisture to the beverage concentrate prior to use. In another embodiment, the first compartment 12 can be formed of a porous fabric material such as that used to make coffee filters. Such a material is effective to maintain the beverage concentrate in dry form within the first compartment 12.

Preferably, the first compartment 12 is sealed and the second compartment 14 are sealed during manufacture of the beverage pod 10.

In use, the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 14 are manually opened at one or more locations before insertion in the beverage making apparatus. Alternatively, the first compartment 12 and/or the second compartment 14 can be opened at one or more locations upon activation of the beverage making apparatus. Thus, the first compartment 12 and/or the second compartment 14 can include one or more opening mechanisms 16, such as a lid or weakened area which can be pierced, torn or removed by the apparatus so as to release the beverage concentrate and/or alcohol concentrate upon activation of the apparatus or prior to placement in the apparatus.

Once the beverage concentrate is combined with the ethanol concentrate, a quantity of water and optionally carbon dioxide, a beverage is formed. In one embodiment, the adult consumer can instruct the beverage dispensing apparatus to dispense less than or none of the ethanol concentrate that is included in the second compartment 14 of the beverage pod 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, an apparatus 20 for making a beverage from the beverage pod 10 includes a housing 24 which houses the mechanical and electronic components of the apparatus 20. The apparatus 20 also includes an outlet 22 from which the beverage is dispensed. Preferably, the housing 24 can be formed of plastic and/or metal.

The apparatus 20 can be a compact, counter sized device or a larger device for use in restaurants, bars or other establishments which serve beverages.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus 20 includes a water reservoir 26, which is used to supply the water necessary for making a serving of a beverage. Alternatively, instead of a water reservoir 26, the apparatus 20 can include a water line connected to an external water supply source. In one embodiment, the water reservoir 26 or the water line can be cooled before mixing by a cooling system 27 so as to provide a chilled beverage if desired. The cooling system 27 can include a heat exchanger or other apparatus which is operable to cool the water.

Also preferably, the apparatus 20 includes a pressurized gas canister 28, which is used to supply carbonation if desired. Preferably, the canister 28 is replaceable. The pressurized gas canister 28 preferably houses carbon dioxide. However, in an alternative embodiment, the pressurized gas canister 28 can include nitrogen. Preferably, the amount of carbonation provided by the pressurized gas canister 28 can be controlled depending on the preference as to the level of carbonation of the adult consumer (e.g., low, medium, or high levels of carbonation). For example, the user can use input a desired level of carbonation into a control system 40 and the control system 40 can control the amount of pressurized gas to be released from the canister 28.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 20 can include a mixing unit 34, which can include a mixing chamber (not shown). The mixing unit 34 can be housed in the housing 24 and can be operable to receive water, pressurized gas, beverage concentrate and alcohol concentrate prior to dispensing the beverage via the outlet. Alternatively, the mixing unit 24 can extend from the apparatus 20 (e.g., a blender) into the container into which the beverage ingredients are emptied so as to mix the beverage during and/or after dispensing.

In addition, the apparatus 20 can include an external mixing container 32 which can form a seal 30 with and/or around the outlet 22 of the apparatus 20 when the mixing unit 34 extends from the housing 24. Such a container 32 should be able to withstand pressurization attributed to use of the pressurized gas.

The apparatus 20 can also include a control system 60 and a user interface 65, which allows a user to input system requirements including the desired amount of carbonation, desired alcohol content, optional chilling of the drink, mixing of the drink and other such functions. The apparatus can also include a power supply 50 operable to provide power to the apparatus 20 during use. The power supply 50 can include a battery or an AC adapter.

Preferably, the housing 24 can include openings therein to replace the beverage pods, add water to a water reservoir and replace a pressurized gas source if necessary.

In use, an adult consumer, bartender or waiter can place a disposable beverage pod of their choice in the apparatus 20, activate the apparatus 20 using the user interface 65 and await dispensing of their beverage. Water from the water supply 26 and pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source 40 are dispensed simultaneously or in series to the mixing unit 34 where the pressurized gas and water are mixed with the flavor system and alcohol. If the mixing unit 34 is within the housing 24, the beverage is then dispensed from the apparatus 20 via the outlet 22. Alternatively, the ingredients can each be dispensed into a container 32 and mixed therein using the mixing unit 24 which extends from the apparatus 20 into the mixing container 32 during dispensing and mixed therein. Once the beverage is formed, the beverage can be placed is a drinking vessel for consumption by an adult consumer.

In this specification, the word “about” is often used in connection with numerical values to indicate that mathematical precision of such values is not intended. Accordingly, it is intended that where “about” is used with a numerical value, a tolerance of ±10% is contemplated for that numerical value.

While the foregoing describes in detail a method and apparatus for forming a beverage with reference to a specific embodiment thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications and equivalents to the apparatus and method may be employed, which do not materially depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. An electronic apparatus for making a single serving alcoholic beverage having the taste, aroma, and mouthfeel of beer, wine, liquor, or a mixed alcoholic beverage, the apparatus comprising: an outlet configured to dispense a single serving alcoholic beverage therefrom; a water reservoir operable to supply a predetermined amount of water via a water supply line; a pod holding compartment operable to releasably receive a beverage pod comprising an alcoholic beverage flavor system, the pod holding compartment in fluid communication with the water reservoir via the water supply line and the outlet; a power supply; and a housing operable to house the pod holding compartment.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mixing unit wherein the mixing unit is operable to mix water from the water reservoir with the alcoholic beverage flavor system of a beverage pod to form an alcoholic beverage.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a container into which the alcoholic beverage or alcoholic beverage flavor system of a beverage pod and predetermined amount of water are dispensed from the outlet of the apparatus.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container is operable to form a seal with and/or around the outlet of the apparatus.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a control system operable to activate the apparatus and control function of the apparatus.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further including a user interface operable to receive user inputs.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a pressurized gas source operable to supply pressurized gas in an amount sufficient to form carbonation in a single serving alcoholic beverage dispensed from the apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a cooling system operable to chill a single serving alcoholic beverage dispensed from the apparatus.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power supply is an AC adapter or a battery.
 10. A method of making a single serving alcoholic beverage using the apparatus of claim 1, the method comprising inserting a beverage pod containing an alcoholic beverage flavor system in the pod holding compartment, combining a predetermined amount of water from the water reservoir with the alcoholic beverage flavor system, and dispensing the predetermined amount of water and the alcoholic beverage flavor system from the outlet of the apparatus to make a single serving alcoholic beverage.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising mixing the alcoholic beverage flavor system and the predetermined amount of water in a mixing unit of the apparatus.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising dispensing the alcoholic beverage from the outlet into a container.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising activating and controlling the functions of the apparatus with a control system.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing user inputs to the apparatus using a user interface of the apparatus.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising carbonizing the alcoholic beverage using a pressurized gas source that is in fluid communication with the pod holding compartment and is operable to supply pressurized gas in an amount sufficient to form carbonation in the single serving alcoholic beverage dispensed from the apparatus.
 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising chilling the alcoholic beverage using a cooling system of the apparatus.
 17. The method of claim 10, comprising mixing an alcohol-free beverage concentrate of a first compartment of the beverage pod, ethanol of a second compartment of the beverage pod, and the predetermined amount of water.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising controlling a level of carbonation of the alcoholic beverage by inputting a desired level of carbonation into a user interface of the apparatus.
 19. The method of claim 10, wherein the alcoholic beverage has the taste, aroma, and mouthfeel of beer, wine, liquor, or a mixed alcoholic beverage.
 20. The method of claim 19, where the alcoholic beverage has the taste, aroma, and mouthfeel of a lager, ale, porter, pale ale, lambic, or hefeweizen beer. 